10 Surprising Functions of the Liver You Probably Didn’t Know
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Ashok Rattan
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Apr 19, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Jul 8, 2025
Did you know?
The liver is a vital internal organ that performs over 500 functions, including detoxifying and metabolizing alcohol.
Your liver is not just a filter, it is a multi-tasker that helps keep you healthy every single day.
The World Liver Day 2025 has already arrived. On April 19, the global spotlight will be on the often underappreciated organ in our body: the liver. This year’s theme underlines the need to spread awareness, early detection, and prevention.
So, why wait? Let’s explore together ten surprising liver functions that deserve appreciation. Some essential screening tips will help you protect your liver in 2025 and beyond.
1. The liver stores vitamins and minerals safely
Yes, you heard it right. The liver acts as a warehouse that stores essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. Besides, it stores iron in the form of ferritin and copper. The storage role of the liver ensures you can utilize them in the future, even if your diet fluctuates.
2. The liver produces bile to help you digest fats
You might know that the liver helps in the production of bile, but it is a critical job that it does. Bile aids in the breaking down of dietary fats in the small intestine
Most people know the liver produces bile (fluid), but not many realize how critical that is. Bile helps break down dietary fats in the small intestine and makes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K easier. Without bile, it will become difficult for your body to digest heavy meals and properly absorb vital nutrients.
3. The liver helps regulate blood glucose
One of the functions of the liver is to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. After you eat meals, the liver stores glucose as glycogen. And, when you don’t eat, especially during fasting, glucose is released from glycogen to be utilized in other tissues. This function of the liver is important if you are diabetic or insulin-resistant.
4. Liver converts ammonia into urea
When you eat protein, it is broken down into amino acids,, which produce a toxic byproduct called ammonia. Enzymes produced by the liver swiftly change ammonia into less hazardous urea. If the liver does not perform this function, ammonia will build up in your blood, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy. This condition can affect the functioning of your brain.
Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/liver/liver-parenchymal-disease-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
5. Liver aids in forming a blood clot
It might amaze you, but the liver is not the platelet but the one responsible for blood clotting. The liver forms factors I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, and more. These factors are special proteins essential for coagulation (the process of blot formation). The absence of these proteins can lead to easy bruising or prolonged bleeding.
6. Liver detoxifies more than just alcohol
One of the important functions of the liver is to filter alcohol. However, this organ also helps in the detoxification of countless other substances, including:
- Medicines such as painkillers, antibiotics, and statins.
- Environmental toxins such as pollution, pesticides, and heavy metals
- Additives from processed foods and preservatives
- Excess hormones (like estrogen and cortisol)
- Natural metabolic waste such as ammonia and bilirubin
7. Liver Removes Aging Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
One of the liver's ten important functions is to help remove aging red blood cells (RBCs). The liver breaks down hemoglobin to extract iron and converts the leftover portion into bilirubin, which is processed and excreted in bile. If this liver function is interrupted, it may build up bilirubin in the body, leading to jaundice.
8. Liver Supports Immune Function as a “Lymphoid Organ”
The liver also plays an immune role in containing. Kupffer cells are white blood cells in the front line of the liver’s blood vessels. These cells keep your body’s defenses in check by engulfing and eliminating harmful bacteria, fungi, and worn-out cells. Due to this immune surveillance, your liver is sometimes called a “secondary immune organ.”
9. Liver Makes Cholesterol—But Also Helps Remove It
Although the liver has a bad reputation, your body needs cholesterol to form hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that support digestion. The liver not only makes cholesterol, but it also helps eliminate excess cholesterol and convert it into bile acids, which are excreted.
10. Liver Also Aids In Metabolizing Hormones
Last, but may not be the least function of the liver, it metabolizes multiple endocrine hormones, including glucagon-like peptide 1, steroid hormones, and thyroid hormones. This ensures your body doesn’t accumulate excess hormones that could trigger mood swings, irregular periods, acne or weight gain. Nonetheless, in women, the poor functioning of the liver can even contribute to conditions like PCOS or estrogen dominance.
Why Should You Take Care of Your Liver?
You should care for your liver because it helps in digestion, immunity, hormonal balance, and blood sugar control.
Thanks to sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, alcohol use, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes, liver-related problems have become common.
Did you know?
1 in 3 adults in India is affected with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many of whom, you don’t know.
7 Warning Signs of Liver Trouble
Even though the liver can regenerate, some warning signs associated with liver trouble include :
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
- Yellowish skin (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Loss of Appetite
When to Get Liver Check?
Regular liver screening is essential if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Overweight
- Diabetic
- Drinking excessively
If a liver disease runs in the family
- Have you been exposed to hepatitis B or C
World Liver Day 2025: Prioritize Your Liver Health with Redcliffe Labs!
On World Liver Day 2025, Redcliffe Labs urges everyone to be proactive and take control of their liver by getting tested.
Recommended Liver Tests:
- Liver Function Test (LFT): It is a simple blood test to check the functioning of your liver and detect diseases.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis Panel Test: The test helps detect complications with your liver.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): The test assesses the risk of advanced fibrosis in people with NAFLD.
- Liver Function Extended Panel: The test helps check for liver health.
Call us at 898 898 87 87 or download a Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a test online. Step-by-step information on booking a test online:
- Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
- Browse or search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
FAQs:
What are the most prevalent liver conditions?
Fatty liver disease that occurs with or without alcohol consumption, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hemochromatosis are the most prevalent liver diseases.
Is fatty liver reversible?
The early stage fatty liver, which can occur without consuming alcohol,, is reversible with a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol use, and weight loss.
What are the tests suggested to diagnose a liver disease?
A doctor may prescribe a liver function test (LFT), ultrasound, CT scan, blood tests for hepatitis, and liver biopsy to diagnose a liver disease.
